Risk of Collision for the Recreational Boater

[Yamsailor]

Hi all,

John Rousmaniere just sent out a really good article on Rules of the Road. I would like to add to this great topic. I recently wrote an article about Risk of Collision. I have enclosed it here:

CoastalBoating.net, Risk of collision for the recreational boater, Captain Andrew Seligman, Colregs, collisions at sea, international regulations,

I welcome any questions or comments.


Fairwinds and Following Seas,

[Boasun]

Class Room work is very important on learning the Rules. But experience on the water will reinforce what the rules mean and of recognizing how the rules apply in real life. It is that experience that will stand you in good stead.
But there are people out there that either do not know the rules are just think that their yacht is special and barge their way through. Note; there are commercial Mates/Masters who are at fault here also. At least you can report them to the local gendarmes. The yachtie? Unless he caused an accident I don't think nothing will happen because it is a "He Said/She Said" situation. Unless you have taken a video of their faux pas. Then you might get something done.
Camera anyone??

[sailingdog]

I usually have a video camera aboard the boat. Never know when documenting something might be necessary. Interesting article.

[sailaway21]

Good article.
If I had to add anything to it or subsequent articles it would be a reference to what used to be called the General Prudential Rule, now covered under Responsibility, along with an emphasis on the nature of special circumstances where a departure from the Rules may be necessary. Most recreational boaters, even with knowledge of the Rules, do not know that more than two vessels involvement may make the case one of special circumstances for which the Rules do not apply. Perceiving one's self as the stand-on vessel in special circumstances can have consequences unforeseen.

I think that you mentioned that the Rules only apply to vessel's within sight of one another. If not, you should.

The only other topic I'd have you expand on is the requirement for action when in-extremis. In-extremis is defined as when the actions of the give-way vessel alone are insufficient to avoid collision. And the stand-on vessel is then required to take action as to best avoid collision.

Fine work, Yamsailor.

[teshannon]

Yam,
Thanks for posting the article. Where do you sail out of?

[Yamsailor]

Hi Telstar,

I didn't think this represented a Special Interest item because the article is posted on someone elses web site and I do not get any remuneration for my published articles.

[Yamsailor]

Hi Teshannon,

I am based out of Center City, Philadelphia. I race during the week after work in downtown Philly and I cruise between Long Island Sound and the Chesapeake Bay.

[Yamsailor]

Hi Sailway21,

With regards to the Rules when vessels are "In-Sight" of one another--I was attempting to explain that Stand-On, Give-Way, and Right-of-Way exist ONLY when vessels are "In-Sight" of one another.

Some rules apply only when vessels are "In-Sight" of one another and others do not apply.

Hope that helps.

Fairwinds,

[sailingdog]

Umm... are you talking to me??? and if so, what the hades are you talking about ????

Originally Posted by Yamsailor

Hi Telstar,

I didn't think this represented a Special Interest item because the article is posted on someone elses web site and I do not get any remuneration for my published articles.

[Yamsailor]

Hi Saildog,

Sorry, I thought the message at the bottom of your reply was giving me a warning about website postings.

I see it is part of your general message.

My apologies.